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The Shortest History of Scotland
Scotland is one of the oldest nations in Europe. Its territory has remained fundamentally unchanged since the fifteenth century, and its southern border with England has barely altered– with the exception of Berwick and a few square kilometres of 'debatable' land – since 1237. And yet Scotland – a country with a global brand – is not a state at all. The Shortest History of Scotland argues that its very ambiguity is what has made the nation a central part of the global story.
Starting at the very beginning with a Scotland before Scotland – a tribal society connected closely by sea to Ireland, before becoming a place defined by being the part of an island beyond the Roman wall – Pittock ranges with dazzling expertise through the defining episodes of Scottish history up to the present.
'An eloquent potted history… proves that just because Scotland's part in world history is small, that is not the same as saying it is marginal… In laying this all out so well, Pittock positions himself as an equally astute commentator on the current political standoff' —Prospect
'A bracing ride through history that also emphasises the importance of people knowing their history.' —Sydney Morning Herald
'A grand story of a wonderful – and wonderfully strong – nation.' —The Australian
'A snappy, sure guide to the past.' —Australian Book Review
Starting at the very beginning with a Scotland before Scotland – a tribal society connected closely by sea to Ireland, before becoming a place defined by being the part of an island beyond the Roman wall – Pittock ranges with dazzling expertise through the defining episodes of Scottish history up to the present.
'An eloquent potted history… proves that just because Scotland's part in world history is small, that is not the same as saying it is marginal… In laying this all out so well, Pittock positions himself as an equally astute commentator on the current political standoff' —Prospect
'A bracing ride through history that also emphasises the importance of people knowing their history.' —Sydney Morning Herald
'A grand story of a wonderful – and wonderfully strong – nation.' —The Australian
'A snappy, sure guide to the past.' —Australian Book Review
224 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Murray Pittock
62 books19 followersMurray G.H. Pittock FRSE is a cultural historian, Bradley Professor of Literature and Pro Vice Principal (Special Projects) at the University of Glasgow.
He was previously Professor of Scottish and Romantic Literature and Deputy Head of Arts at the University of Manchester, the first professor of Scottish Literature at an English university. He has been a visiting fellow at universities worldwide including: New York University (2015), Notre Dame (2014), Charles University, Prague (2010); Trinity College, Dublin (2008); the University of Wales in advanced Welsh and Celtic studies (2002), and Yale (1998, 2000–01).
He was previously Professor of Scottish and Romantic Literature and Deputy Head of Arts at the University of Manchester, the first professor of Scottish Literature at an English university. He has been a visiting fellow at universities worldwide including: New York University (2015), Notre Dame (2014), Charles University, Prague (2010); Trinity College, Dublin (2008); the University of Wales in advanced Welsh and Celtic studies (2002), and Yale (1998, 2000–01).
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